When to Plant Peppers in Ketchikan Gateway Borough, AK
This month in Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska
Each item below is timed to Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Harden off and plant peppers
Plant tomatoes deep — bury the stem up to the first true leaves to grow extra roots. Everything else goes in at the same depth it grew in the tray.
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Outdoor sowing time: peppers
Your soil is 64°F — warm enough for these to germinate without babying.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in June
- Starting indoors: peppers
Sweet peppers are warm-season crops producing fruits in a rainbow of colors. They turn from green to red, yellow, or orange as they ripen, increasing in sweetness.
Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 25 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 177 days.
At an elevation of 1,212 feet, Ketchikan Gateway Borough receives approximately 57.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 65°F, so choose short-season varieties of Peppers to ensure they mature before fall. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Peppers root diseases.
Ketchikan Gateway Borough Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5-6.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Ketchikan Gateway Borough
How your county's soil matches Peppers's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–6.7) is more acidic than Peppers prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Ketchikan Gateway Borough is excellent for Peppers — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Peppers.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.9%) — Peppers will thrive.
How to Plant Peppers
Succession Planting Peppers
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 21 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Peppers
Peppers needs approximately 1.1 inches of water per week (4.8" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Peppers Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.8" | 2" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.8" | 2.4" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.8" | 4.5" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.8" | 6.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.8" | 9.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.8" | 11" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.8" | 6.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Ketchikan Gateway Borough). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Peppers Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Peppers Planting Timeline — Ketchikan Gateway Borough, AK
Peppers Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 21 | Feb 21 – Mar 7 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 9 | May 9 – May 23 |
| Direct Sow | May 2 | May 2 – May 23 |
| Harvest | July 11 | Jul 11 – Sep 19 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
60–90 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
177 days in Ketchikan Gateway Borough
Growing Tips for Peppers in Ketchikan Gateway Borough
Direct sow Peppers outdoors after April 25 in Ketchikan Gateway Borough when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Common pests for Peppers in this region include tomato hornworm and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost. Transplant when nighttime temperatures stay above 55F. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which promote leaves over fruit.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Isolate 300 ft for purity. Hot and sweet peppers can cross-pollinate.
Peppers in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Peppers in Ketchikan Gateway Borough, AK?
Ketchikan Gateway Borough is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 25. Plan your Peppers planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ketchikan Gateway Borough, AK?
Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 25 and first fall frost is October 19.
Your Ketchikan Gateway Borough Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Ketchikan Gateway Borough (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.